9/9/22 C20-2022-005a ORDINANCE AMENDMENT REVIEW SHEET Amendment: C20-2022-005a, Land Development Code Amendments Description: Consider an ordinance regarding amendments to Title 25 related to environmental protection and landscape requirements. Proposed Language: Draft language is included as Attachment A. Summary of proposed code changes: A summary of the proposed code changes is included as Attachment B. Background: This ordinance responds to Council Resolution No. 20220609-061, which initiated Land Development Code amendments related to environmental, drainage, and landscape requirements. The resolution directed staff to present most of the initiated amendments to Council for consideration by September 15, 2022. The initiated code amendments and a summary of the staff proposal is provided below: 1. Establish criteria that prioritize when green stormwater methods should be required or incentivized over conventional stormwater controls; The proposed code amendments would require most sites to use green stormwater infrastructure, or GSI, to meet water quality treatment requirements. This amendment was previously proposed and reviewed as part of the Land Development Code (LDC) Revision. Under current code, many sites meet water quality treatment requirements by building a sedimentation/filtration pond. Sedimentation/filtration devices provide some water quality benefits by filtering polluted runoff and helping control stream-channel erosion, but they do not significantly address other important ancillary goals such as supporting on-site vegetation, increasing rainwater infiltration, and reducing potable water consumption. Requiring most sites to use GSI instead of conventional grey stormwater infrastructure will provide myriad benefits, including stormwater infiltration, soil health, wildlife habitat, urban heat island mitigation, water conservation, aesthetic value, and other ecosystem services.1 GSI also provides enhanced water quality benefits compared to sedimentation/filtration devices, including better removal of nutrients from stormwater and further reductions in erosive flows.2 The proposed code amendments would allow developments to choose from a variety of green stormwater controls, including biofiltration ponds, rain gardens, rainwater harvesting systems, porous pavement, and retention-irrigation systems (which can be built in conjunction with green roofs). All of these systems beneficially use rainwater to infiltrate and/or offset potable 1 Christman et al. 2022. Stormwater Control Measure Audit. City of Austin, Unpublished. 2 Richter, A. 2018. Structural Stormwater Control Measure Performance Update 2018. City of Austin, SR-18-08. 1 9/9/22 C20-2022-005a water. Staff also proposes to increase the beneficial use benefits of these controls over time through improvements to the design criteria in the Environmental Criteria Manual. The proposed code amendments provide some exceptions from the GSI requirement, allowing conventional controls to be …
RESOLUTION NO. 20220609-061 WHEREAS, protecting our environment is the foundation for sustaining our planet, community, and economy; and WHEREAS, the City ofAustin's "State of Our Environment: 2020 Annual Report," showed that creeks in the Desired Development Zone scored on average 10 points lower than those in the Drinking Water Protection Zone; and WHEREAS, the Drinking Water Protection Zone designation located on the west side of Austin has restricted development through regulations creating positive environmental outcomes, while the Desired Development Zone, located in Central and East Austin, has more permissive regulations that have resulted in some negative outcomes; and WHEREAS, properties located in the Desired Development Zone have more permissive development regulations with regard to the size of creek buffers, impervious cover limits, cut and fill, and construction on slopes; and WHEREAS, extensive empirical literature links exposure to nature with better health, and creeks provide city-wide opportunities to experience nature; and WHEREAS, current code allows for structures such as in-channel detention basins and concrete wastewater manholes to be placed in creeks, which can cause erosion and other severe, often long-lasting consequences that can be expensive to reverse; and WHEREAS, the City is faced with the existing and growing threat of industrial discharges that can negatively impact creeks and communities located primarily on the east side of the City of Austin; and Page 1 of 10 WHEREAS, there has been a steady increase in the amount of land area in Austin covered by impervious surfaces and a corresponding steady decrease in the amount of pervious land area capable of absorbing rainfall; and WHEREAS, one result of the historically high rates of development is a rise in the amount of runoff that flows off-site from developed properties and into older, undersized stormwater drain systems, creeks, rivers, and lakes, contributing to increases in flooding severity, damage to private property, loss of life, and water pollution; and WHEREAS, currently City Code allows redeveloped sites to use existing impervious cover as a baseline for drainage calculations, resulting in increased runoff and contributing to flooding and erosive flows downstream; and WHEREAS, increasing density reduces sprawl and thereby reduces traffic congestion, pollution, and development of open spaces and agricultural; and WHEREAS, a U.S. Geological Survey study found that using green stormwater infrastructure for water quality provided enhanced mitigation of peak flows and run-off volumes compared to large, detention-based stormwater control practices; and WHEREAS, the Watershed Protection Department "Master …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: 9/21/2022 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: COUNCIL DISTRICT: 1 Manor ISD Elementary School #10 (SP-2022-0095CX) Manor ISD Elementary School #10 (Monica Silva) LOCATION: 10400 Wildhorse Ranch Trail, Austin, Texas 78724 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: Tunde Daramola, Environmental Review Specialist Senior, DSD, 512-974-6316, Babatunde.Daramola@austintexas.gov WATERSHED: REQUEST: STAFF RECOMMENDATION: STAFF CONDITIONS: Gilleland Creek Watershed, Suburban, Desired Development Zone Variance request is as follows: Request to vary from LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill over 4feet up to 33feet. Staff recommends this variance, having determined the findings of fact to have been met. Provide structural containment of fill with a terraced retaining wall where applicable. Increase tree inches by adding 20 native trees over required number of trees. Provide pollinator plants along with educational signage for the children. Use rainwater harvesting on site. Development Services Department Staff Recommendations Concerning Required Findings Project Name: Ordinance Standard: Watershed Protection Ordinance Variance Request: Manor ISD Elementary School #10 To allow for fill exceeding 4 feet up to 33 feet for building construction Include an explanation with each applicable finding of fact. A. Land Use Commission variance determinations from Chapter 25-8-41 of the City Code: 1. The requirement will deprive the applicant of a privilege available to owners of similarly situated property with approximately contemporaneous development subject to similar code requirements. Yes. The variance will not be providing a special privilege to the applicant. The property slopes steeply down from Wildhorse Ranch Trail ROW at the west to the southeastern corner of the site over a 52-foot fall. The proposed buildings are constrained in design flexibility due to the requirements of the Texas Education Agency, City of Austin, and ADA. The size of the school is determined by what TEA allows based on student per square foot requirements which is not a design choice. In order to facilitate this type of development, substantial fill is required, and the layout has to follow the TEA, COA and ADA guidelines which has constricted design flexibility. Similarly situated property do not have to meet the aforementioned requirements the way a public elementary school is required. 2. The variance: a) Is not necessitated by the scale, layout, construction method, or other design decision made by the applicant, unless the design decision provides greater overall environmental protection than is achievable without the variance; Yes. The school must …
MANOR ISD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL #10 10400 WILDHORSE RANCH TRL SP-2022-0095CX Tunde Daramola Environmental Review Specialist Senior Development Services Department 1 Synopsis and Site requirements OUTLINE Property Data Existing Conditions Variance Request Grading Exhibit Variance Exhibits Variance Recommendation and Conditions 2 PROPERTY DATA Gilleland Creek Watershed Suburban Watershed Classification Desired Development Zone Not located over the Edwards aquifer recharge zone 3 SYNOPSIS 11.05-acre site within the Wildhorse Planned Unit Development, proposing the construction of a public elementary school with driveways, water wastewater and drainage improvements. Elevation ranges from 605’ in the west to 556’ in the southeast corner. The natural sloping nature has necessitated the amount of fill for this project. Limited design flexibility since project is subject to TEA, COA and ADA requirements 4 5 EXISTING CONDITIONS Ground vegetation is typical grasses, prairie, 6 VARIANCE REQUEST To allow fill in excess of 4 feet and up to 33 feet within the Desired Development Zone. (LDC 25-8-342) 7 Grading Exhibit Necessitated because of the sloping nature of the site, previous use as spoils area for subdivision development and other requirements (TEA, COA and ADA requirements) 8 VARIANCE RECOMMENDATION & CONDITIONS Staff recommends the variance, having determined that the required findings of fact have been met. Staff also recommends and supports the following conditions in accordance to approved variance exhibits: • Provide structural containment of fill with a terraced retaining wall where • applicable. Increase tree inches on site by adding 20 native trees over the required number of trees. • Provide pollinator plants along with educational signage for the kids. • Use rainwater harvesting on site. 9 V A R I A N C E E X H I B I T S 10 11 THANK YOU REFERENCES GOOGLE EARTH VARIANCE PACKET GIS PROPERTY PROFILE 13
Trash in Creeks Field Investigation Report and Benchmark Research Study Andrew Clamann Environmental Commission 9/21/2022 Andrew.Clamann@austintexas.gov Mateo.Scoggins@austintexas.gov Leila.Gosselink@austintexas.gov Resolution No. 20200123-108 (CIUR 2234) field study benchmark report upstream concentration source downstream concentration Typical pollutant assessment: downstream – upstream = source contribution This assessment does not work for trash Variability in storm intensity Variability in stream character Data Collection • 20 Creeks • 110 miles • Observations every 30ft • 19,467 data points Scooters only 21 found Small number of occurrence due to: o reduced permitted fleets (since 2020) o improved process for reporting (311) o efficient process for removal (vendor) Trash intensity score + source presence • Overflowing dumpster • Outfall/tributary • Encampment • Dumping historic site • Dumping point source • Dumping unknown • Property management Sources by occurrence Takeaway # 1 Encampment was the most commonly-observed source, but is similar in intensity and range to most other sources Result: A georeferenced map of intensity* and sources example: upper shoal creek *can be used by internal or external partners for strategic cleaning https://arcg.is/0z48bj0 Takeaway # 2 Trash intensity is not proportional to its drainage area (source input locations are deceiving) Geospatial analysis using 300’ and 3000’ buffers Population Transportation Land Use Takeaway # 3 There were no statistically significant correlations between trash intensity and: landuse, census, transportation, • • • • parks, etc. Takeaway # 4 Virtually anything can be found in creeks, but single use plastics were the most common item clothing, tents, bedding recreation items, toys erosion matting, silt fences packaging, shipping office, household lawn tools, mulch bags, garden hoses, appliances medical, electronics, textiles, hardware traffic cones, barriers, safety construction materials, asphalt, lumber Telecommunication cables, displaced infrastructure 500+ shopping carts Takeaway # 5 76% of the trash is found in 10% of the area (opportunity for strategic site selection for cleanups by COA, partners, contractors, volunteers) Field report provides diverse assemblage of recommendations at different scales • • • • • • • site-specific cleanups, improved rules for dumpsters, structural controls, enforcement, education/outreach, coordination with partners, etc Benchmarking Research Report • EXTRACTION (physically removing trash from waterways) ex: structural controls, machines, manual labor • INTERCEPTION (keeping trash from entering waterways) ex: education, enforcement, landscape cleanups, structural controls • SOURCE REDUCTION (stemming the flow into our community) ex: limit single use plastics Extraction • creek and lake cleanups* • requirement/enforcement of vendors/individuals to clean up • targeted cleanups …
Economic Prosperity Commission September 21, 2022, 6:30pm Austin City Hall, Boards and Commissions Room 1101 Some members of the COMMISSION may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register please contact Michelle Clemons, michelle.clemons@austintexas.gov , 512-974- 2713 or Nydia Castillo, Nydia.castillo@austintexas.gov, 512-974-6452. AGENDA CALL TO ORDER 1. OPENING REMARKS: Introduction of members and staff liaison Commissioners: Rachel Green- Mayor’s Appointee, Larry Anazia - District 1; Kirsha Haverlah District 2, Alexis Taylor -District 3, Michael Nahas- District 4, Preston Tom- District 5, Will Townsend- District 6, Amy Noel- District 7, Nathan Ryan- District 8, Vacant- District 9, Kelsey Hitchingham -District 10. Staff: Michelle Clemons, Nydia Castillo PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES from August 2022, Meeting 2. OLD BUSINESS a. None 3. NEW BUSINESS b. Welcome and new commission member introductions c. Refresher on focus areas from Q2, 2022, survey c. Working group reports: i. Working Group Report ii. Intercommission Working Group Report iii. Joint Sustainability Commission Member Report iv. Reproductive health working group ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Michelle Clemons at Economic Development Department, at (512-974-2713), for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Economic Prosperity Commission, please contact Michelle Clemons at (Michelle.Clemons@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2713).
REGULAR MEETING of the COMMISSION ON VETERAN AFFAIRS Wednesday, September 21, 2022 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM City of Austin Permitting & Development Center 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Room 1401 Austin, TX 78752 Some members of the Commission on Veteran Affairs may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register, email the board liaison at Damian.Pantoja@austintexas.gov CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Christopher “Cam” Wilson (Chair) Kevin Lenau (Vice) Manuel Jimenez Adrenne Mendoza Maria Brown-Spence Jose Carrasco Elisabeth Collura-Rosenberg Jason Denny Pete Salazar Charles W. Cupp Some members of the Commission on Veteran Affairs may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may speak up to three minutes on an item only once either in-person or remotely. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register, call or email the board liaison at 512-974-3253 or Damian.Pantoja@austintexas.gov AGENDA ADDENDUM CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission on Veteran Affairs Regular Meeting of May 18, 2. Approve the minutes of the Commission on Veteran Affairs Special called meeting of 2022 Aug 5, 2022 DISCUSSION ITEMS City of Austin STAFF BRIEFINGS ADJOURNMENT 3. Identifying any veteran encampments and number of homeless veterans located in the 4. Vouchers with TSO for Veterans 5. Keeping the meetings in a hybrid model and begin the conversation of new meeting date/time for the new calendar DISCUSSION ITEMS ACTION ITEMS 6. Opportunity for anyone to share future agenda items possibly vote 7. Reminder-email addresses used for Boards and Commissions. Requirement for use of City email only 8. Reminder for everyone about the communication and attendance policy The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Sammi Curless at 512-974-3256 or damian.pantoja@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711.
1 HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, September 21, 2022 – 5:30 PM PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER – Rooms 1401 and 1402 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive Austin, TX 78752 Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, email preservation@austintexas.gov or call Cara Bertron at (512) 974-1446. COMMISSION MEMBERS: Terri Myers, Chair Ben Heimsath, Vice Chair Anissa Castillo Witt Featherston Kevin Koch Carl Larosche Harmony Grogan Trey McWhorter Blake Tollett Beth Valenzuela Caroline Wright AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first (10) speakers who register to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. DISCUSSION 1. Draft equity-based preservation plan ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call the Historic Preservation Office at 512-974-3393 for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Historic Landmark Commission, please contact Kalan Contreras, Senior Planner, at 512-974-2727; Kimberly Collins, Senior Planner, at 512-974-1801; or Amber Allen, Historic Preservation Planner II, at 512-974-3393. 2
REGULAR MEETING of the BOND OVERSIGHT COMMISSION September 21, 2022, 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. Austin City Hall, Boards and Commissions Room 1101 301 W 2nd Street, Austin, TX 78701 Some members of the Bond Oversight Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Tina Van Wie, 512-974-7921, tina.vanwie@austintexas.gov CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Santiago Rodriguez, Chair Sumit DasGupta, Vice Chair Cesar Benavides Charles Curry Michael Drohan Stephen Gonzalez CALL TO ORDER Francoise Luca John McNabb Wolfgang Niedert Kristin Weaver Nicole Wren AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers who register to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES on May 18th, 2022 1. Approval of the minutes of the Regular meeting of the Bond Oversight Commission STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff Briefing from Financial Services on web content related to General Obligation Public Improvement Bonds 3. Staff briefing from the Austin Police Department related to the 2012 bond program 4. Staff briefing from the Austin Public Health Department related to the 2018 bond 5. Staff Briefing from Treasury related to the Annual Public Improvement Bond program Issuance DISCUSSION AND ACTION 6. Discussion and possible action on 2023 Meeting Schedule and topics for agenda FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Tina Van Wie, Financial Services Department, at 512-974-7921, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Bond Oversight Commission, please contact Tina Van Wie at 512-974-7921.
Meeting of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee September 21, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. Permitting and Development Center (PDC) – Room #1406 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive Austin, TX 78752 Some members of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee may be participating by video conference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register, call or email the board liaison at 512-974-3509 or greg.dutton@austintexas.gov CURRENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS Nadia Barrera-Ramirez (Chair) Claire Hempel (Vice-Chair) Awais Azhar Todd Shaw Ann Denkler Jolene Kiolbassa Greg Anderson CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Speakers signed up prior to commencement of the meeting will be allowed to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of the June 15, 2022, meeting minutes. 2. Approval of the August 17, 2022, meeting minutes. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. 2023 Meeting Schedule. Discuss and approve the 2023 meeting schedule. 4. Historic Design Standards Amendments. Discuss and consider a recommendation for initiation of amendments to Title 25 of the City Code to codify the Historic Design Standards as a tool for interpreting the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards. (No changes to the historic review process are Facilitator: Chair Barrera-Ramirez City Attorney: None 1 proposed.) City Staff: Andrew Rice, Housing and Planning and Department, (512) 974-1686, andrew.rice@austintexas.gov 5. Project Connect. Discuss and consider a recommendation for adoption of an ordinance amending Title 25 of City Code to create a foundational ordinance for Transit System Projects to facilitate the construction of critical transportation infrastructure. City Staff: Donna Galati, Project Connect Office, (512) 974-2733, Donna.Galati@austintexas.gov DISCUSSION ITEMS 6. Update on Potential Upcoming and Current Code Amendments – City Staff: Greg Dutton, Housing and Planning and Department, (512) 974-3509, Greg.Dutton@austintexas.gov. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Future agenda items will NOT be discussed at the current meeting, but will be offered for initiation, discussion, and/or possible recommendation to the full Planning Commission at a FUTURE meeting. ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or …
In-Process Code Amendments 9/16/22 AMENDMENT • C20-2022-013 Creative Space Bonus and Incentive Initiated by Council 9/1/22 • • C20-2022-012 Great Streets Fee-In-Lieu Mechanism Initiated by Council 7/28/22 • • C20-2022-011 Live Music • Venue Initiated by Council on 7/28/22 • C20-2022-009 Sixth St Height Exception Initiated by Council on 6/9/22 • • C20-2022-008 Capitol Dominance Overlay Initiated by Council on 5/19/22 • • C20-2022-007 ADU • Initiated by Council on 6/9/22 • Combined with C20-2021- 011 • • C20-2022-006 NBG CMU subdistrict change Initiated by Council on 5/19/22 • C20-2022-005a Environmental and Water Quality Initiated by Council on 6/9/22 • C20-2022-005b Environmental and Water Quality Initiated by Council on 6/9/22 • • 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. NOTES • Creates a new bonus and incentive program for creative spaces • Creates a mechanism for fees to be paid in-lieu of constructing great streets • Creates new use and bonus provisions for live music venue • Amends overlay to allow for additional height • Allows properties in CDO to participate in Downtown Density Bonus Program • Additional direction and clarification on ADU changes • Related to C20- 2021-011 • Amends height and FAR for CMU subdistrict • Amendments to environmental and water quality regulations • Amendments to environmental and water quality regulations LEAD DEPT • Economic Development EST. COUNCIL DATE • TBD • Housing and Planning • Economic Development • Housing and Planning • Late 2022/Early 2023 • Late 2022/Early 2023 • Late 2022 • Housing and Planning • Late 2022 • Development Services • Late 2022 • Housing and Planning • Fall 2022 • Watershed Protection • Fall 2022 • Watershed Protection • Early-Mid 2023 • C20-2022-004 • Relaxes Compatibility Changes compatibility • Housing and Planning • Fall 2022 In-Process Code Amendments 9/16/22 AMENDMENT • Initiated by Council on 6/9/22 • C20-2022-003 South Central Waterfront Regulating Plan Initiated by PC on 6/14/22 • • C20-2022-002 Parkland Dedication Expansion Initiated by Council on 4/7/22 • • C20-2021-013 Floodplain Regulations – Commercial Redevelopment Exception Initiated by PC on 12/14/21 • • C20-2021-012 Residential in Commercial Initiated by Council on 12/9/21 • C20-2021-011 ADU Expansion Initiated by Council on 12/9/21 • C20-2021-014 Project Connect Initiated by Council on 10/29/22 • • C20-2021-006 Vertical Mixed Use Affordable Housing Initiated by PC on 7/27/21 Initiated by Council on 11/18/21 • • C20-2021-003 Downtown Density Bonus Updates Initiated by Council on …
PROPOSED LANGUAGE FOR PROJECT CONNECT ORDINANCE DRAFT SUBJECT TO ADDITIONAL CHANGES Project Connect is the City’s high-capacity public transit system expansion, PART 1. which will ultimately consist of a light rail network, an expanded bus system, transportation terminals and stations, maintenance facilities, and all associated improvements necessary for operation of the transit system. To facilitate the construction of this critical transportation infrastructure, certain modifications and waivers to City Code are necessary to ensure the construction of a high-capacity transit system. PART 2. This ordinance and the attached Exhibits A and B consist of the “Transit System Regulations”. Development of the Transit System shall conform to the limitations and conditions set forth in this ordinance. If this ordinance and the attached exhibits conflict, this ordinance controls. Except as otherwise provided by this ordinance, all other rules, regulations, and ordinances of the City apply. PART 3. The attached exhibits are incorporated into this ordinance in their entirety as though set forth fully in the text of this ordinance. The exhibits are as follows: A. B. Transit System Exhibit Rail Construction Noise and Mitigation Plan Requirements PART 4. Definitions. A) Transit System Project means a transportation project generally depicted on Exhibit A with any related appurtenances, including but not limited to a rail and public transit line, rail station, or a transportation terminal, funded by a public entity and located on publicly owned land or in the right-of-way or a public easement. B) Unless otherwise specifically defined, all terms in this ordinance shall have the meaning established in Title 25 of Code of the City of Austin, Texas (the “Land Development Code”). PART 5. A Transit System Project for rail lines or any associated infrastructure necessary to construct the rail lines must comply with a noise and mitigation plan approved by the City that meets the requirements listed in Exhibit B. To the extent there is a conflict with Chapter 9-2 (Noise and Amplified Sound), the approved noise and mitigation plan will control. PROPOSED LANGUAGE FOR PROJECT CONNECT ORDINANCE DRAFT SUBJECT TO ADDITIONAL CHANGES PART 6. Transit System Uses as described in 25-2-6(28). A) The use of a site for a traction powered substation is a Local Utility Service use B) The use of a site for the provision of maintenance, repair, vehicular or equipment servicing, material storage, or similar activities for rail lines is a Maintenance and Facilities use as described in …
RESOLUTION NO. 20211029-003 WHEREAS, the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan ("ASMP") (Ordinance No. 20190411-033) is the transportation element of the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan and calls for a 50/50 mode share by 2039, which includes increasing use of sustainable modes such as walking, bicycling, teleworking and transit; WHEREAS, City Council adopted Resolution No. 20190808-081 directing the City Manager to "analyze and report on options for the City of Austin and other related or interested public or private entities to leverage resources to support the creation, operation, and maintenance of a high-capacity transit system"; WHEREAS, Austin voters approved Project Connect, the regional high- capacity transit system, on November 3,2020; WHEREAS, on December 18,2020, the City of Austin and the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority created a local government corporation named the Austin Transit Partnership Local Government Corporation to aid the City and Capital Metro and act on their behalf to accomplish the governmental purpose of implementing the Project Connect System Plan; WHEREAS, in a report entitled Saving Time and Making Cents: A Blueprintfor Building Transit Better ("Eno Report"), published in 2021, the Eno Center for Transportation identified local regulation, permitting, and decision- making procedures throughout the United States as an obstacle to achieving viable, cost-effective transit systems on par with those of peer nations; WHEREAS, noting that local development codes are generally ill- suited to the nature and scale of mass transit, the Eno Report found that jurisdictions that have successfully constructed mass transit systems apply modified regulations and review procedures to accommodate the unique challenges Page 1 0f 3 transit construction presents and the ways it differs from private development or conventional transportation and public works projects; WHEREAS, the City ofAustin's Land Development Code does not provide for the design and permitting of linear construction required for mobility and transit facilities that encompass large areas, include subsurface and above-ground elements, and span multiple zoning districts and watersheds; WHEREAS, greater flexibility and more carefully tailored regulations are required to facilitate construction of Project Connect; WHEREAS, City staff routinely interprets and applies City Code to development and capital improvement applications; WHEREAS, the Land Development Code, existing regulations, criteria, and procedures should be flexibly applied to facilitate construction of Project Connect to the greatest extent possible until existing requirements can be amended; WHEREAS, there are Project Connect MetroRapid and MetroRail projects currently moving forward in advance of the Orange and Blue Line light rail projects; …
EXHIBIT B – Rail Construction Noise and Mitigation Plan Requirements The Austin Transit Partnership (ATP) will submit the required components listed below to be reviewed and approved by City Staff. City Staff will review the plan to ensure that all required components are present in the plan and are satisfactory to City Staff before approval. ATP commits to adhere and ensure that contracted parties responsible for light rail construction activities adhere to the policies and procedures housed within the submitted plans. The following components are required: 1. Construction Noise Mitigation and Monitoring Plan Construction noise impacts will be documented in the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS), completed in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process. Mitigation measures identified in the Mitigation Monitoring Plan, affirmed in the FEIS and Record of Decision, will be included in contract documents, monitored for implementation during final design and construction. Measures to minimize impacts will include, but are not limited to: • • • Sound monitoring during construction Limiting idling and back up alarms of equipment Limiting certain activities during certain times 2. Noise Control Plan Requirements for Contractors during Construction ATP will require all contractors to submit a Noise Control Plan as part of their contract that addresses mitigation for their specific schedule, equipment, and methods of construction. ATP will submit their requirements of contractors for this plan to the City. The requirements will include, but are not limited to: Schedule (dates and times of day) and methods of construction • Contractor’s specific equipment types • • Maximum noise limits for each piece of equipment with certification testing • Prohibitions on certain types of equipment and processes during the night or daytime hours • • Methods for projecting construction noise levels • • Methods for responding to community complaints in line with the Programmatic Project Identification of specific sensitive locations near construction sites Implementation of noise control measures where appropriate Communications Plan. 3. Programmatic Project Communications Plan This plan will contain requirements for programmatic communications including how the program will communicate to the public about construction impacts and timelines, posting of public-facing materials, procedures for submission of noise and construction impact complaints, and how complaints will be handled. • This plan will be adhered to by all contractors for the program. This plan will dictate high-level requirements that ensure consistency of information, noticing, monitoring, reporting, and responding to complaints. Items that are …
INITIAL INVESTMENT | August 2021 SOUTHEND Lago Vista Pickup Zone FOUR POINTS OHLEN B u r n e t R d NORTHCROSS R R E E D D L L I I N N E E LBJ High School E E N N I I L L N N E E E E R R G G To Hutto 130 TOLL ELGIN ELGIN MANOR MANOR WILDHORSE WILDHORSE WILDHORSE LEANDER LEANDER LAKELINE LAKELINE LAKELINE HOWARD HOWARD To Georgetown Pflugerville Pickup Zone Stoney Creek Park TECH RIDGE TECH RIDGE TECH RIDGE TRANSIT CENTER TRANSIT CENTER TRANSIT CENTER 45 TOLL PARMER PARMER Howard Ln 325 Walnut Creek Metro Park PARMER ACC Northridge BROADMOOR/DOMAIN BROADMOOR/DOMAIN BRAKER LN BRAKER KRAMER MCKALLA MCKALLA M e t r i c B l RUTLAND CROSSROADS LOOP 360 CRESTVIEW CRESTVIEW CRESTVIEW A A B B M M N N U U E E D D R R N N N N O O C C E E A A H H T T K K A A T T C C H H O O A A I I L L L L ALLANDALE KOENIG KOENIG NORTH LOOP TEXAS HEALTH COMMISSION A A C C C C H H I I G G H H L L A A N N D D T T O O T T E E C C H H R R I I D D G G E E RUNDBERG 325 Rundberg Ln NORTH LAMAR NORTH LAMAR NORTH LAMAR TRANSIT CENTER TRANSIT CENTER TRANSIT CENTER 325 10 N L a m a r B l St Johns Ave 300 E x p o s i t i o n B l 335 Seton Hospital L a m a r B l UT/WEST MALL UT/WEST MALL Enfield Rd DOWNTOWN AREA DELCO CENTER DELCO CENTER d r R o n a M SPRINGDALE SHOPPING CENTER PHILOMENA BERKMAN/ MUELLER M LK Bl Oak Springs Dr ACC EASTVIEW GOVALLE GOVALLE HIGHLAND HIGHLAND HIGHLAND HIGHLAND TRIANGLE TRIANGLE TRIANGLE TRIANGLE 7 HYDE HYDE PARK PARK HEMPHILL HEMPHILL PARK PARK ST. DAVID’S 20 University of Texas S a n J a c i n t o B MEDICAL MEDICAL SCHOOL SCHOOL l 7 10 CAPITOL CAPITOL EAST EAST CLARKSON HANCOCK 38½ St AIRPORT BLVD MLK Dell Seton Hospital MLK 2 COMAL Emma Long Metro Park LOOP 360 WHELESS EXPO EXPO COLONY PARK COLONY PARK TOWN CENTER 51st St 300 WESTMINSTER …
DOWNTOWN COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 21, 2022, TIME: 5:30 p.m. Austin City Hall, Council Chamber, Room 1001 301 W 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Downtown Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register, please contact mona.sanchez@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-7864. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: August Harris, Chair Christopher Lehman, Vice Chair Megan Meisenbach Kimberly Taylor Mike Lavigne Preston Reine Laura Templeton Amy Wong Mok Scott Strickland CALL TO ORDER Ralph Ismael Nelly Paulina Ramirez Cynthia Weatherby Jen Weaver Josh Lickteig Joel Sher Ben Heimsath Kelan Robinson AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES STAFF BRIEFINGS Department. Health. 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission July 20, 2022, meeting. 2. Staff briefing regarding downtown public safety, Commander Eric Fitzgerald, Austin Police 3. Staff briefing regarding Austin Public Health Report, Adrienne Sturrup, Adrienne, Austin Public DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. Discussion of recent activities and actions taken by the Design Commission 2. Discussion of recent activities and actions taken by the Historic Landmark 3. Discussion of recent activities and actions taken by the Urban Transportation Commission Commission 4. Discussion of recent activities and actions taken by the Arts Commission 5. Discussion of recent activities and actions taken by the Music Commission 6. Discussion of recent activities and actions taken by the Parks & Recreation Board 7. Discussion of recent activities and actions taken by the Public Safety Commission FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Mona Sanchez at the Economic Development Department, at (512) 974-7864 for additional information; TTY users’ route through Relay Texas at 711. For …
Historic Design Standards City of Austin September 2022 Welcome In Austin, historic preservation encourages the preservation of historic buildings, structures, sites, and districts; promotes awareness of cultural and architectural heritage; and helps shape a more sustainable, equitable, and livable place. As the city grows, these Historic Design Standards will help property owners, designers, builders, and historic preservation professionals make consistent decisions about how to meet present-day needs while stewarding local built heritage and achieving larger goals. Clear standards and graphics show good practices, as well as changes to avoid. The Historic Design Standards were created by a working group representing property owners, designers, developers, advocates, and the Historic Landmark Commission. The working group sought to develop locally relevant standards grounded in national preservation principles. Many members are laypeople, and readability was a key concern: the standards needed to be understandable by property owners and neighbors considering whether to apply for historic district designation, as well as by architects. A Maintenance and Preservation chapter and illustrated glossary support those who want to learn more about architectural elements and materials. The Historic Design Standards promote long-term sustainability by supporting the retention and repair of existing buildings, which keep tons of old-growth wood and other material in use and out of the landfill. They also support sustainable solutions for making buildings more energy efficient now, from high-impact improvements like attic insulation and duct sealing to DIY changes such as weather-stripping around windows and doors. Historic Preservation Office staff are available to answer questions and provide feedback on proposed projects. Reach out to preservation@austintexas.gov or call (512) 974-3393. Left cover image: People looking out over Austin, ca. 1940s Acknowledgments Design Standards Working Group The Historic Landmark Commission created the Design Standards Working Group on September 24, 2018 to create a new set of historic design standards, with the goals of providing clear, user-friendly standards and guidelines for all historic property owners and of simplifying the historic district application process. This document is the product of the working group’s efforts and is modeled on the Preservation Austin design standards template produced through a community initiative in April 2011. David Carroll, AIA Urban Design Commission, preservation architect Janet Beinke Historic district property owner Cara Bertron Historic Preservation Office staff Madeline Clites Preservation consultant Angela Gaudette Historic Preservation Office staff Laura Keating Urban Design staff Marie Oehlerking-Read Texas Historical Commission staff (prev.) Misael Ramos Representative from potential …
Frequently Asked Questions This FAQ sheet is intended to provide a brief orientation to the Historic Design Standards. Please contact preservation@austintexas.gov if you have further questions. 1 Why were the Historic Design Standards I own a property in a locally designated historic developed? Don’t we already have standards for district. How will the Historic Design Standards 3 historic properties? affect me? The Historic Design Standards were developed to clarify existing standards for historic landmarks and National Register districts. They will also make the historic district application process easier and more equitable for new districts. The Historic Design Standards will not affect previously agreed-upon design standards for existing historic districts. They do align with existing district design standards and may be adopted by property owners within each district if desired. The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation form the foundation of preservation practice in the United States and are used in Austin to evaluate proposed changes to historic landmarks and in National Register districts. However, these very general standards can be hard to interpret when planning and evaluating specific projects. The Historic Design Standards clarify them with more specific good practices and illustrations. Right now, community members compiling a historic district application must hire a consultant or learn how to develop their own design standards. Then multiple rounds of review are required with other property owners and City staff. This adds time and cost to the application process—and results in design standards that are nearly identical to those for other districts. The Historic Design Standards will provide a consistent, predictable set of standards for all areas considering historic district designation. I own a historic landmark. How will the Historic 2 Design Standards affect me? If adopted by City Council, the Historic Design Standards will clarify existing standards for exterior changes to historic landmarks, as well as new construction on landmarked properties. The Historic Design Standards are based on the standards that City staff and the Historic Landmark Commission already use to evaluate projects. However, they are clearer, more specific, and easier to use. No process changes are proposed. 4 I own a property in a National Register district. How will the Historic Design Standards affect me? If adopted by City Council, the Historic Design Standards will clarify existing guidelines for National Register district properties. The Historic Design Standards are based on the standards that City staff and the Historic Landmark …
Zoning and Platting Commission Resolution Whereas, the Austin City Council passed Resolution 20220609-061 “relating to environmental protections and water quality”; and Whereas, the City Council directed the City Manager “to address the equitable protection of the environment throughout the City of Austin as part of the Watershed Protection Strategic Plan’; and Whereas, the proposed regulations include green stormwater infrastructure and functional green to lessen the heat island effect and provide other benefits; and Whereas, the proposed regulations lessen environmental reviews for some projects including water quality controls, critical environmental features, construction on slopes and watershed impervious cover limits; and Whereas, the City of Austin Zoning and Platting Commission welcomes improved environmental protections and water quality throughout the entire City. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Zoning and Platting Commission encourages the Austin City Council to approve C20-2022-005a, Land Development Code Amendments with the following changes: • Implementation of Functional Green requirements will be deferred until such time as the Emergency Rules for the Environmental Criteria Manual is adopted to reflect the appropriate Criteria; • Allow boat dock access to remain within 50’ of the Lake as it relates to items 25-8-25 (B)(2), 25-8-27 (D)(2) • Under Section 25-8-64(E) for lots that cannot meet this criteria a mechanism to allow smaller units will be developed • Remove 25-8-213(A)(1) proposed changes • Clarify that the impervious cover limit in § 25-5-3 (B)(13)(b) is the impervious cover allowed by the zoning not to exceed 55%, Be it further resolved as Part of Phase 2 of Council initiated code updates that the following directions from the Council resolution be completed as soon as possible: • Require the environmental staff to work with Austin’s Equity Office to address inequities created by different rules for the Desired Development Zone and Critical Water Quality Zones such as Barton Springs; • Once the Affordability impact is determined any negative aspects will be counter balanced with incentives to ensure that there is no negative financial impact of these new requirements; • Recommend that all subdivisions and site plans in Urban Watersheds meet steep slope protections; and • Recommend new and redeveloped projects to use greenfield conditions as a baseline when calculating drainage requirements
Equity-Based Preservation Plan: Learning from Our Past to Shape a Future for Everyone DRAFT FOR HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION REVIEW Please read This draft is offered for Historic Landmark Commission review in September 2022. It may be revised. Broad, inclusive outreach and engagement efforts will invite community review and feedback in early 2023. We appreciate your interest! Staff currently does not have capacity to accept community feedback on the draft framework, but please see below for ways that you can participate now. And stay tuned for the outreach and engagement campaign later this fall! What you can do now: • Learn more about the equity-based preservation planning process on our website! • Sign up for the project email list to get notified of feedback opportunities and events! • Tell us what’s important to you in a community priorities survey! DRAFT FOR HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION REVIEW COMMUNITY FEEDBACK WILL BE INVITED LATER IN FALL 2022 Land acknowledgment We wish to recognize and respect Indigenous Peoples as original stewards of the land known as Austin, Texas, and the enduring relationship that exists between Indigenous Peoples and their traditional territories. Recognizing the land is an expression of gratitude and appreciation to those whose territory we reside on and a way of honoring the Indigenous Peoples who have been living and working on the land from time immemorial. Land acknowledgments do not exist in the past tense or historical context. Colonialism is a current and ongoing process, and we need to be mindful that we are participating in it by living on colonized land. We acknowledge, with respect, that the land known as Texas is the traditional and ancestral homelands of the Tonkawa, the Apache, the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo, the Lipan Apache Tribe, the Texas Band of Yaqui Indians, the Coahuitlecan, and all other tribes not explicitly stated. Additionally, we acknowledge and pay respects to the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas, the Kickapoo Tribe of Texas, Carrizo & Comecrudo, Choctaw, Tigua Pueblo, Caddo, Comanche, Kiowa, Wichita, Chickasaw, Waco nations, and all the American Indian and Indigenous Peoples and communities who have been or have become a part of these lands and territories in Texas, here on Turtle Island, the ancestral name for what is now known as North America. Not all Indigenous peoples listed claim Texas as ancestral lands, as many were forcibly relocated to Texas from their ancestral homelands. It is important to understand …
